Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez outlined five pillars implemented under his administration to ensure a better quality of life for Bacolodnons and the plan to create four economic districts to further boost the city’s economy.
Benitez presented these in his roadmap to a supercity before more than 1,000 Bacolodnons from various sectors and barangays at L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City on Friday, Nov. 22.
He also sought inputs from those present to ensure that the master plan for Bacolod is in conformity with what Bacolodnons want.
Under the master plan, the mayor is proposing to divide Bacolod into the North, East, South and West zones or districts to create more investment opportunities.
“This integrated plan emphasizes sustainable urban development, mobility and ecological resilience across Bacolod City’s zones, leveraging natural water bodies and green technologies to create a vibrant, thriving and future-proof city,” he said.
The mayor has also identified 285 red zones in Bacolod occupied by informal settlers, which are communities that have been left behind, and require government intervention.
“We have identified these areas and are working on short term and long term solutions,” he said, including housing.
“To deny them basic necessities is a crime against humanity,” Benitez said.
Benitez also cited Bacolod’s five pillars to becoming a supercity, which are innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, mobility and culture.
Under innovations, he cited the city’s shift to digitalization for effective governance.
The city government now has QR codes for identification cards of senior citizens and person with disabilities, and in the issuance of government documents such as business permits, he pointed out.
He also cited the city’s online services and one stop shops at satellite offices.
Bacolod is the only LGU nationwide with services open on weekends and holidays, he said.
Benitez also cited the surge in mixed used developments in business districts, business parks and townships in Bacolod.
The city has also adopted a “bayad agad” policy to hasten the release of medical, burials and social pension assistance for Bacolod residents, he added.
Benitez also cited the numerous legacy infrastructure projects of the city government that are now underway such as the legislative building, City Health Complex, Bacolod City Eco Tree Park, Multipurpose Building with Skate Park, Bacolod Museum and Auditorium, and the City Hall.
He said government spending for these infrastructures also pump primes the economy.
Benitez also cited the creation of green lanes in Bacolod City for electric public utility vehicles and measures to mitigate flooding through floodgates and pumping stations in the city’s five major rivers.
A command center that will include an extensive CCTV network is also underway to serve as a deterrent against crime, he added.
Since these plans cannot happen overnight, he urged Bacolodnons to support his team in the 2025 elections so they can continue to work as one to make Bacolod a supercity.*